Description: In February 1864, the commander of the Department of the
South, Maj. Gen. Quincy A. Gillmore, launched an expedition into Florida
to secure Union enclaves, sever Rebel supply routes, and recruit black
soldiers. Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour moved deep into the state, occupying,
destroying, and liberating, meeting little resistance on February
20, he approached Brig. Gen. Joseph Fineganís 5,000 Confederates entrenched
near Olustee. One infantry brigade pushed out to meet Seymourís advance
units. The Union forces attacked but were repulsed. The battle raged,
and as Finegan committed the last of his reserves, the Union line broke
and began to retreat. Finegan did not exploit the retreat, allowing most
of the fleeing Union forces to reach Jacksonville.